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HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini

Vulval & vaginal care

Hauora puapua me tara

VulvaGenerally, it is not good to use lots of strongly perfumed and coloured soaps, lotions and potions on your genital area. They can make your vulva and vagina dry and irritated and even cause an overgrowth of normal skin bugs. This can lead to inflammation and infection.

Washing gently with warm water and a small amount of a mild or unscented soap, or a soap alternative, is the best way to keep your genital area healthy. Rinse and gently dry. During your period, you will need to change your sanitary product regularly.

Do not douche (squirt water into your vagina to clean it) or use a feminine spray, vaginal deodorant or scented wipes. These products are not necessary and can cause harm.

Vaginal discharge is normal and healthy. It keeps the vagina clean and moist and protects it from infection. It is a clear or white fluid or mucus and does not have a strong or unpleasant smell.

If you are concerned about any vaginal discharge, smell or pain or have a persistent itch then you should see your general practice team.

Pubic hair

Some people want to trim or remove their pubic hair.

If you decide to trim, you can use scissors. Make sure they are clean before you use them.

Shaving and waxing can irritate your skin. They can also accidentally cut or tear your skin. As well, your pubic hair can grow back the wrong way (ingrown hairs). All of these can cause pain and infection. If this happens, you need to stop shaving or waxing until it is cleared up. Then, to stop it happening again, try a gentler way of removing the hair, such as a lady's electric razor. It is important to always use a clean razor. If you are using a blade razor, use plenty of shaving gel. Do not use soap.

The links below give you more information about what is normal with your vulva and vagina and how to tell when there might be a problem.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2025.

Sources

Page reference: 53223

Review key: HIVVC-53223